I've been feeling a little writer's block, but there is literally so much news I want to share with you all, so no essay this time! Just a long list of articles to check out so you don't miss them <3

P.S. Happy International Trans Visibility Day lovelies <3

News to Know

Local News

• Primary '26 local results: 9,606 vote-by-mail ballots counted in Champaign County (The News-Gazette): Primary results are officially all in, so take a look! Thank you everyone who voted; local elections are so important!!
• What will massive data centers do to the environment in Champaign County? (Smile Politely): This is an amazing explainer from the folks at Smile Politely about the effect of data centers locally. Communities all over the state are dealing with data centers trying to crowd in. It's important for us to stay informed on the local movements to protect our interests as citizens. Also welcome to anyone who found us through the recent Smile Politely shout out <3

State News

• This Black Town Has E. Coli in Its Drinking Water, but Feds Just Cut Support (Capital B News): Another reason to hate this administration, but also: Let's get on our state officials to help our friends downstate! It's absolutely ridiculous that there are folks in our state who have sewage consistently in their water. There has to be more done to get these folks safe drinking water and streets that don't flood with literal sewage. 
• Downtown Peoria shop 'closed until further notice' after threats, owner says (Peoria Journal Star): The short version is the owner was transphobic on their personal and their business page, and is now getting backlash. You hate to see it...
• Political will grows for data center regulations as POWER Act remains in committee (Capitol News Illinois): Circling back to data centers, I'm glad to know elected officials are paying attention to this across the state. 
• Restored prairie project coming to Northern Illinois University (Northern Public Radio): Yessss, I love to see natural prairies returning to the great state of Illinois! I am excited to see how this project progresses. 

National News

• UN resolution urges reparations for slavery’s ‘historical wrongs’ (UN News): If you ever need another reason to believe in reparations for African Americans, the UN just passed a resolution calling the transatlantic slave trade "the gravest crime against humanity". Guess which three countries voted against it? Also basically all of Europe abstained, which is tea. A reminder to get involved and support our local reparations effort: Champaign-Urbana Reparations Coalition! 
• Prominent LGBTQ+ Athletes Push Back on the IOC’s Ban on Trans Women (them): The IOC actually sucks for this decision. I am not a sports girlie, but I fully believe that it's absurd to dictate women's bodies, no matter if they're cis or trans. ALSO, if you're a sports gay, we are looking for more writing on local women's sports and interviews with queer athletes. If that's you, email us at thelavendernewsletter@gmail.com please!
• The Washington Post Is Using Reader Data to Set Subscription Prices. How Does That Work? (The Washingtonian): As if you didn't need another reason not to read The Washington Post! These companies really love learning how to get as much money out of you as humanly possible. I hate it. 
• Easy-to-use solar panels are coming, but utilities are trying to delay them (NPR): I did not know that plug-in solar panels were even a thing before this article, and now I want them so bad. If you want to cut down on your electric bill and be more environmentally-friendly, definitely look into this. 
• How Pokémon Go is giving delivery robots an inch-perfect view of the world (MIT Technology Review): This is another great reminder that so many online games and filters are also covert ways to steal your data and sell it to the highest bidder. Having fun should not come at the cost of your privacy!
• How NYC Nurses Won After Their Longest Strike in the City’s History (In These Times): If I am anything in this world, I am a union-loving girlie!!! If they can do it, you can too. In every industry: organize!
• Florida professors quietly defy restrictions on race and gender: ‘This is how authoritarianism works’ (The Guardian): Oftentimes, we forget that another revolutionary act we can take is defiance and sabotage. We all know professors don't make that much money, and it's a hard job market, so know these folks are not making this choice lightly. If you work at a place doing bad things or supporting bad people, do your job worse. Make the work of evil men harder to achieve.

Lavender Vibes

• Beware of Toddler Comic: I love these comics! They're so cute, and I love seeing a daddy/daughter pair. The art style is great too, and it's such a grounded but also whimsical comic. Definitely recommend checking them out. - Jada